Hi,
I am planning to move back to England after 30 years in the US with my American husband, in order to be with my family. My father recently died and I want to care for my mother and spend time with my siblings and my friends. I have been longing to return for more than 15 years but waited until my step children were older and they are now in their 30’s, and will visit us in England. Husband is retired and he is as excited as I am. I am working full-time in the US and hope to find a job in the U.K. (However, I presume that could be difficult to achieve as I am 61 and moving back to my rural hometown.) Fortunately I own a small home I bought 20 years ago so we have a home there I’ve been using as a holiday cottage.

I have read a lot of threads-all very helpful-regarding applying for my husband’s visa and financial requirements.

My understanding is that I should apply now for my husband’s visa before he goes to England, rather than his initially going on a visitor 6 month visa, as that would mean he’d have to return to the U.S in order to submit his settlement visa application. I plan to go on ahead of him if necessary.

Questions: As I don’t have a job in the U.K., can we use my husband’s US social security as the required £18,600 in income? If we have to use savings instead, can I use my US 401K savings of over $100K which would convert to more than the £62,500 in savings?

Finally, any idea if I start the application now, would it be reasonable to expect to get a response within 3 months or so?

Thank you for any advice